Research Associate - Project Coordinator

Position Overview

The Research Associate - Project Coordinator will be pivotal in managing the operational, scientific, administrative, and strategic dimensions of the Mutaba'ah Study. Working closely alongside the Principal Investigator, researchers, partner organizations, students, and various stakeholders, the role ensures the project’s goals are met efficiently and sustains the study's longevity. This position demands exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership capabilities to juggle multiple tasks within an extensive multidisciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily activities of the Mutaba'ah Study to ensure smooth project progression.
• Track and manage project schedules, key milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics.
• Design and maintain project management tools and reporting frameworks.
• Guarantee punctual completion of tasks and adherence to established study protocols.
• Identify operational obstacles and formulate practical solutions to maintain project momentum.
• Contribute to strategic planning and execute the study’s objectives effectively.
• Coordinate ethical approvals, amendments, renewals, and regulatory submissions as required.
• Maintain comprehensive project records, governance documents, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure conformity with institutional, ethical, legal, and data governance standards.
• Assist in drafting and applying study policies, and facilitate agreements with collaborative institutions.
• Support research initiatives stemming from the study’s database, tracking scholarly outputs including publications and presentations.
• Assist with manuscript preparations, internal reviews, and publication planning.
• Serve as a communication hub between researchers, clinicians, statisticians, and data experts.
• Act as the primary contact among the study team, hospitals, collaborators, funding sources, and other stakeholders.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and advisory committees to promote collaboration.
• Support both national and international partnerships in research.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and briefing materials for senior leadership and partners.
• Aid in identifying funding opportunities and assist in the preparation of grant applications and progress reports.
• Contribute to budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring project sustainability.
• Manage deliverables and reporting for funded projects.
• Coordinate activities involving graduate students, research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and allied collaborators.
• Support onboarding, training, and mentoring of team members.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork within multidisciplinary groups.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a Master's degree in Research Management, Health Administration, Clinical Research, Health Services Research, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related field. Candidates must demonstrate experience in managing research, healthcare, or public health projects, a robust understanding of research governance and administration, and excellent written and spoken communication skills in both Arabic and English.

Preferred qualifications comprise a PhD or equivalent research experience in a health-related area, experience directing large scale cohort or clinical research programs, familiarity with academic or healthcare organizational settings, and experience with grant administration, scientific publishing support, and research collaboration. Knowledge of research ethics and regulatory compliance is also advantageous.

Skills & Attributes

• Expertise in project planning, coordination, and organizational management.
• Ability to prioritize and concurrently manage multiple assignments.
• Experience developing and tracking project workflows, timelines, and monitoring systems.
• Attention to detail and capacity to meet deadlines consistently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective stakeholder management and negotiation proficiency.
• Excellent report writing and professional communication skills.
• Capability to represent the study team in internal and external meetings professionally.
• Understanding of epidemiology and public health research methodologies.
• Familiarity with research governance, ethical review processes, and compliance.
• Competence in maintaining meticulous project documentation and records.
• Ability to analyze and summarize data to support decision-making and reporting.
• Well-organized, proactive, and self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills.
• Committed to upholding ethical and professional standards.
• Adaptable to changing demands within a dynamic research environment.

Additional Information

• Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter outlining their motivation and suitability for the role.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae is required.
• Contact details for at least two professional referees must be provided.
• The application deadline is September 20, 2026.

What We Offer

• Engagement with one of the largest and most impactful population cohort studies in the Middle East.
• A leadership opportunity within a nationally significant research initiative.
• Work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary academic environment.
• Opportunities for scientific publishing, conference participation, grant development, and international partnerships.
• Support for career growth and professional development within an expanding research institution.